Don't obsess over beating India, focus on clinching world cup, Shadab to team

"If we lose against India, but end up winning the World Cup, it's a win-win," says Pakistan all-rounder

Sports Desk

June 29, 2023

Shadab Khan hits a shot during a match. — PCB/File

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan believes that rather than obsessing over beating arch-rival India in the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup, the national side should focus on bringing the glory home.

While the star leg-spinner admitted that the Pakistan-India clash brought on great pressure and was one of the biggest contests in the game, he said that bringing the trophy home should be seen as the priority.

Even if Pakistan won against India but lost the World Cup, the victory would be of no use, he remarked during an interview with a local sports media outlet.

"Playing against India comes with a different sense of joy. The pressure overall is also different. Now when we have to go there, it will be their home ground - the crowd will be against us," the 24-year-old cricketer said.

Shadab further stated that losing against India would mean nothing if Pakistan won the World Cup.

"In my opinion, even if we lose from India but end up winning the World Cup, it's a win-win because that is our main aim," he remarked.

It must be noted that the most anticipated match of the World Cup will be played between India and Pakistan on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the biggest stadium in the world that can gather as many as 132,000 spectators.

However, the Men in Green face a tough challenge when facing India in the World Cup.

They have lost seven out of seven matches against the latter, including an infamous semi-final defeat in the 2011 World Cup in Mohali.